Qualia

The iced tea on arrival - you may be tempted to go the champagne but trust me, the tea is amazing! Lemongrass, lime and ginger with just the right amount of kick.

These are a fun touch and so much better than waiting for a tuk tuk like in Thailand. But, watch out for the wildlife driving home after a few cocktails! The kangaroos, goannas and cane toads are not bothered by the buggies at all.

The entrance to our private pavilion.

The bed was super comfortable and the in-room amenities were very well thought out and mostly local... Aesop, Linden Leaves Bath Salts, TeaDrop Apricot Green Tea, Phillippa's spicy nuts (worth $20 price tag!), Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir (one of my personal favourite NZ Pinot's). Plus Antipodes water free of charge for the entire stay. And the in-room wireless was super fast!

Founded and based in Melbourne, Aesop has grown into an international skincare brand. Its plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients make the skin care products the best around, especially after a day in the sun and surf!

Here I am on arrival soaking up the view from our “Leeward” south facing pavilion; these pavilions are less expensive than the north-facing “Windward” pavilions that have their own private plunge pool with Coral Sea and Whitsunday Island views.

The pavilion balcony - perfect place to enjoy breakfast!

Start your day in paradise with a healthy breakfast - local tropical fruit and a smoothie shot. Then go the eggs.

If you are like me and prefer not to be in a gym, especially when on such a picturesque island, then running the VERY hilly streets is the perfect work out. But go early or late or it gets far too hot. Also take advantage of the free yoga at Qualia each morning at 8am.

Pebble Beach.

The sand is mixed with coral rocks so you need to tip toe into the ocean or wear rubber shoes.

This is life! The staff hand around complimentary ice-creams (Wovenpick Caramel is to die for) and iced tea. I never wanted to leave this spot.

Rancho relaxo….there are no kids allowed at the resort so that means that the poolside is extra calm and time seems to stretch forever.

Here or by the pool is the only place to eat lunch if you don't want to leave the resort (and when you do it just doesn't compare to the tranquility and authenticity of Qualia).

The Oakley family (who own Qualia) are wine maker aficionados. The wine list rivals some of the best restaurants I have been to, something you don't expect from a remote island resort!

Welcome to Qualia – secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.